DSC Error “Certificate Not Found” – Complete Solution

Fix DSC Certificate Error Now → Download Support Toolkit

1. Introduction

Are you getting the dreaded “Certificate Not Found” error when trying to sign documents on government portals like EPFO, GST, MCA, or UDYAM?

You’re not alone.

This is one of the most common issues faced by business owners, HR professionals, and consultants during EPF Registration for Employers, MCA filings, or GST e-filing.

The message might say:

❌ “No certificate found in the smart card”
❌ “Certificate not available for signing”
❌ “Failed to load digital certificate”

But here’s the good news: this error is fixable — quickly and easily.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

✅ Why the “Certificate Not Found” error happens
✅ Step-by-step solutions (Windows & Mac)
✅ How to verify your DSC certificate is properly installed
✅ Preventive tips to avoid future errors
✅ FAQs with expert answers

Whether you’re using eMudhra, nCode, Sify, or another provider, this solution works.

Let’s fix it — together.

2. What Does “Certificate Not Found” Mean?

When your system says “Certificate Not Found”, it means:

🔍 The software (browser or application) cannot locate your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) inside the DSC token.

Even if the token is plugged in, the system can’t read the certificate — so you can’t sign any document.

This usually happens due to:

Driver issues
Certificate not imported into the browser
Wrong DSC type (Class 2 vs Class 3)
Corrupted installation
Outdated or incompatible drivers

⚠️ Note: This error does NOT mean your DSC is broken. It just needs reconfiguration.

3. Common Scenarios Where This Error Occurs

You’re likely to see this error when:

✅ Trying to file EPF Registration for Employers on EPFO Portal
✅ Submitting DIR-3 KYC or ROC forms on MCA portal
✅ Filing GST Returns or Form GSTR-3B
✅ Signing UDYAM Registration documents
✅ Using NSDL/CDSL Demat account applications
✅ Attempting e-Tendering on GeM or Procurement Portals

If you’re stuck at the “Sign” button — this guide will help.

4. Why Does “Certificate Not Found” Happen? (Top 7 Causes)

Let’s dig into the root causes:

Cause	Explanation
1. Driver Not Installed or Corrupted	Missing or outdated driver prevents the OS from detecting the DSC.
2. Certificate Not Imported to Browser	Even if the DSC is installed, it must be added to Chrome/Firefox/Edge.
3. Wrong DSC Type Selected	Some portals require Class 3 DSC; others accept Class 2.
4. Token Not Detected by System	USB port issue, damaged token, or power problem.
5. Admin Rights Missing	Installing drivers without admin access fails silently.
6. Multiple DSCs on Same Machine	Conflicts between different DSCs cause confusion.
7. OS Update or Reset	After Windows/Mac update, drivers may need reinstalling.

✅ Pro Tip: Always check the DSC Provider Website for the latest driver before troubleshooting.

5. Step-by-Step Fix for “Certificate Not Found” Error

Follow these steps in order. Most users resolve the issue in under 10 minutes.

🔹 Step 1: Reinsert the DSC Token

Unplug the DSC token from your USB port.
Wait 10 seconds.
Plug it back in firmly.

Wait 15–20 seconds. Let the system detect it.

💡 If nothing happens, try a different USB port or cable.

🔹 Step 2: Check Device Manager (Windows)

Press Win + X → Select Device Manager
Expand Smart Card Readers
Look for your DSC device (e.g., “eMudhra Smart Card Reader”, “nCode USB Token”)
If it shows yellow warning icon, right-click → Update Driver

👉 Choose: Search automatically for updated driver software

Wait for it to install.

🔄 If no update is found, download the latest driver from your provider’s site.

🔹 Step 3: Verify DSC Certificate in Certificate Manager (Windows)

Press Win + R, type certmgr.msc, press Enter
Go to Personal → Certificates
Look for a certificate with your name and “Digital Signature” in the purpose
Also check Trusted Root Certification Authorities → Look for your DSC issuer (e.g., eMudhra CA)

✅ If missing:

Reinstall the DSC driver
Or import the certificate manually (see below)

🔹 Step 4: Install/Reinstall DSC Driver (Critical!)

Go to your DSC provider’s website:

eMudhra: https://www.emudhra.com/driver
nCode: https://www.ncode.in/driver
Sify: https://www.sify.com/digital-signature

Download the latest version (e.g., eMudhra_Driver_v5.0.exe).

Run as Administrator → Follow installation steps → Restart PC.

🔥 Key Point: Always run installer as Administrator — otherwise, it won’t work.

🔹 Step 5: Import Certificate into Browser (Chrome/Firefox)

Even with the DSC installed, the browser may not see it.

For Google Chrome:

Open Chrome → Click three dots → Settings
Go to Privacy and Security → Security
Click Manage certificates
Go to Personal tab → Check if your DSC appears
If not, click Import → Browse to your DSC certificate file (usually in C:\Program Files\emudhra\certs)
Select the .p12 or .crt file → Enter PIN → Finish

For Mozilla Firefox:

Open Firefox → Type about:preferences#privacy in address bar
Scroll to Certificates → Click View Certificates
Go to Your Certificates tab → Click Import
Choose your DSC file → Enter PIN → Save

✅ After importing, restart the browser.

🔹 Step 6: Test Signing on a Dummy Document

Use Adobe Acrobat or Foxit PDF Editor:

Open a blank PDF
Click Tools → Sign
Choose Add Digital Signature
Select your DSC from the list
Enter PIN → Sign

✅ If it works — the error is fixed!

🔹 Step 7: Try on the Actual Portal (EPFO, GST, MCA)

Now go back to the portal where you got the error.

Log in
Try signing again

It should now show your DSC certificate and allow signing.

🎯 Success! You’ve fixed the “Certificate Not Found” error.

6. Fix for macOS Users

Mac users face similar issues. Here’s how to fix them.

🔹 Step 1: Insert DSC Token

Plug into USB port. Wait 10 seconds.

🔹 Step 2: Download Mac Driver

Visit:

eMudhra Mac Driver: https://www.emudhra.com/mac-driver
nCode Mac Driver: https://www.ncode.in/mac-driver

Download the .dmg file.

🔹 3: Install Driver

Double-click the .dmg file
Drag the app into Applications folder
Open the app → Click Install
Enter admin password
Restart Mac

🔹4: Check Keychain Access

Open Applications → Utilities → Keychain Access
In the left panel, select Login
Search for your DSC certificate (e.g., “eMudhra Certificate”)
If missing, reinstall driver

🔹5: Import Certificate in Safari/Firefox

For Safari:

Go to Preferences → Security → Certificates
Click Import → Choose DSC file → Enter PIN

For Firefox:

Open Firefox → about:preferences#privacy
Go to Certificates → View Certificates
Click Import → Add your DSC

🔹 Step 6: Test Signing

Open a PDF → Use Sign tool → Select DSC → Enter PIN

Success? Great!

7. Advanced Fixes (If Basic Steps Don’t Work)

Try these only after completing all previous steps.

🔹 Fix 1: Use DSC Tool from Provider

Most providers offer a DSC Management Tool:

eMudhra: eMudhra Desktop Utility
nCode: nCode DSC Manager
Sify: Sify SmartCard Manager

Download it → Run → It will scan for certificates and fix mismatches.

🔗 Example: https://www.emudhra.com/dsc-tool

🔹 Fix 2: Export & Reimport Certificate

Open Certificate Manager (Windows) or Keychain (Mac)
Export your DSC certificate as .p12 file
Delete the old certificate
Reinstall driver
Import the .p12 file again → Enter PIN

This resets the certificate chain.

🔹 Fix 3: Disable Antivirus / Firewall Temporarily

Some security software blocks DSC access.

Temporarily disable antivirus (Windows Defender, Norton, McAfee)
Try signing again
Re-enable after

⚠️ Only do this for testing — never leave it off long-term.

🔹 Fix 4: Use Another Computer

Test your DSC on a different machine.

If it works → the issue is with your current PC (driver, OS, or settings)
If it doesn’t → the DSC token may be faulty

📞 Contact your provider to replace the token if needed.

8. Prevention Tips: Avoid Future Errors

Don’t let this happen again.

✅ Always use official drivers from the provider’s website
✅ Install as Administrator every time
✅ Keep a backup of your DSC driver files on Google Drive
✅ Renew DSC before expiry (set calendar reminder)
✅ Avoid installing multiple DSCs on one PC
✅ Restart PC after driver install
✅ Use Chrome or Firefox — not Edge or Safari (better DSC support)

9. FAQs on DSC Certificate Not Found Error

Got more questions? We’ve got answers.

Q1: Why does “Certificate Not Found” appear even though my DSC is working?

A: Because the certificate isn’t imported into the browser or OS. Installation ≠ Activation.

Q2: Can I fix this without reinstalling the driver?

A: Yes — often just importing the certificate into the browser fixes it.

Q3: Is this error common with EPF Registration for Employers?

A: Yes! Many employers face this during EPFO registration — especially if they used an old PC or changed laptops.

Q4: What if I don’t have admin rights?

A: You cannot install drivers without admin rights. Ask your IT team or system administrator.

Q5: Can I use DSC on a shared computer?

A: Yes, but always remove the token after use. Never leave it plugged in.

Q6: How do I know if my DSC is valid?

A: Check the expiry date on the certificate. Most DSCs last 1–3 years.

Q7: What if the error appears only on one portal?

A: Different portals use different validation methods. Try importing the certificate again in that specific browser.

Q8: Can a corrupted DSC be repaired?

A: No — if the hardware is damaged, you’ll need a replacement token from your provider.

Q9: Is the PIN case-sensitive?

A: Yes! Always enter it exactly as sent — uppercase/lowercase matters.

Q10: Can I use the same DSC on Windows and Mac?

A: Yes — as long as the driver is installed on both systems.

Q11: Why does the error come after a Windows update?

A: Updates sometimes reset drivers. Reinstall the DSC driver after every major OS update.

Q12: Can malware cause this error?

A: Indirectly — some malware interferes with USB devices or disables smart card readers.

Run a full antivirus scan.

Q13: What if my DSC was working yesterday?

A: Possible causes: OS update, driver conflict, virus, or accidental deletion of certificate.

Q14: Should I contact my DSC provider?

A: Yes — if all steps fail. They can send a support kit or issue a replacement.

eMudhra: 1800-11-8005
nCode: 1800-11-1212
Sify: 1800-11-1111

Q15: Is there a free tool to fix this?

A: No — but most providers offer free technical support. Use their official tools.

Q16: Can I use DSC on a laptop with no USB port?

A: Yes — use a USB hub or dongle adapter.

Q17: What if I lost my PIN?

A: Contact provider. They can send a PUK code to unlock it.

Q18: Can I transfer my DSC to another person?

A: No — DSC is personal and non-transferable.

Q19: How often should I update DSC drivers?

A: Every 6 months — or after any OS update.

Q20: Where can I get help?

A: Visit our support page → Support DSC Certificate Error

Or download our Free DSC Troubleshooting Toolkit → Download Now

10. Conclusion

The “Certificate Not Found” error is frustrating — but not permanent.

With the right steps, you can fix it in minutes.

Remember:

Reinstall the driver
Import the certificate into your browser
Restart your PC
Use official tools from eMudhra, nCode, or Sify

Once fixed, you’ll be able to complete EPF Registration for Employers, GST filing, MCA submissions, and more — smoothly and securely.

🚀 Ready to Fix It?
Download the Free DSC Troubleshooting Toolkit →
Fix Certificate Not Found Error Now →